While providing premier care across the mid-Hudson Valley is all in a day's work for the doctors and staff that make up Westchester Medical Center Health Network, 12 individuals are also lacing up their sneakers and hitting the course at the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon to prove the network's commitment to health goes far beyond any office or operating room.

Ranging in roles from executive vice president to nurses and surgeons, the 12 racers will all represent the medical center's unique specialties as they toe the line this October. In addition to running for their own health and personal goals, each participant will focus fundraising and awareness efforts on a specific cause. For example, nurse Julianne Darcey is running to support the work done by Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, while Bill Leverenz, a patient experience coordinator, is running for the Employee Engagement and Patient Experience Department at HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley.

Darcey, Leverenz, and the 10 other runners are also working to raise funds to support their individual departments and teams, helping turn what is largely a personal challenge into a common group effort.

"All runners persevere from start to finish; that strength and determination are propelling me through training for my first marathon and to the finish line, all while representing Maria Fareri Children's Hospital and Westchester Medical Center," said Darcey.